The Darkwood Trilogy: A Complete YA Fairytale Fantasy Series

by Anthea Sharp

Two sisters. One enchanted forest. And a reckless choice that could destroy kingdoms ...

Taken away from her ordinary life, Rose Valrois finds herself in a world full of secrets and forbidden magic. There she meets her new stepsister, the enigmatic Princess Neeve, who will either become her best friend ... or her worst enemy.

In the shadows of the magical Darkwood, Rose discovers danger and adventure in her quest for answers about the mysteries surrounding her. When she's rescued by Thorne, the Dark Elf guardian of the forest, he binds her to the Darkwood and forbids her to speak of its secrets.

But secrets have a way of getting loose, especially when there's hidden magic involved, and Rose falls deeper into the thorny tangles of her own past. Her sister, Neeve, is concealing dangerous powers of her own, and the two of them are soon entangled in a destiny that will bring them face-to-face on opposite sides of a deadly magical war.

Ultimately, Rose must risk her freedom, her world, and even her truest love to save her sister. Can she bear to make that sacrifice? Does she even have the choice?

Called A fantastical series by Publishers Weekly, USA Today bestselling author Anthea Sharp has crafted a lushly written fairy-tale trilogy weaving elements of Snow-White and Rose-Red with romance, magic, cozy fantasy, and secrets that that will change the fate of worlds.

Genres: Audiobook, Fantasy, Young Adult, Magic

1100 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 13, 2022

About the author

Growing up, Anthea Sharp spent her summers raiding the library shelves and reading, especially fantasy. She now makes her home in the Pacific Northwest, where she writes, plays the fiddle, hangs out in virtual worlds, and spends time with her small-but-good family. Contact her at antheasharp@hotmail.com, follow her on twitter, find her on facebook (http://www.facebook.com/AntheaSharp), and visit her website.

Reviews

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy by Anthea Sharp. Although the first book started off very slowly (hence the 4-star rating) and almost led me to give up, it eventually became interesting and picked up pace, and I'm so glad I continued with the series. I only wish there were more books to explore—I would be listening to them right now. I already miss the wonderful characters and the Darkwood. The entire trilogy is currently available for free on Audible until the end of the year. I plan to purchase it so I can experience it all over again.

The Darkwood Trilogy is a captivating YA fantasy series that seamlessly blends fairytale elements with rich world-building and exciting adventure. The audiobook, beautifully narrated by Amy Landon, immerses listeners in the enchanting yet perilous world of Darkwood, where magic, danger, and intricate relationships come together. She is truly one of the best narrators. She makes every book more enjoyable.

One important thing to keep in mind if you start this series is that the main character is only 13 when the story begins. She is 18 by the end of the trilogy, so there is significant character growth.

[Elise Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this one on Audible and I'm not even sure how to put it all into words. This is a long listen, and it's hard to nail down the whole thing into one little review. This is not quite a fairy tale retelling, but more of a reimagining of Snow White and Rose Red if their world was a little different. It's pretty epic to be perfectly honest.

A lot is going on here. I really enjoyed these characters and the way the author tweaked them to her story. Usually you see Snow White and it's all about her, but this really focused on Rose. In fact Neeve was kind of a jerk for a lot of the story lol It's a good story of sisterhood and twisted up families with terrible parents. It includes illegal magic, political intrigue, matchmaking gone wrong, and of course seven surly fellows with very nice beards (they aren't predominant, but you can't have anything remotely Snow White without those guys, you know?).

The love story is a solid! Love the romance in it, which is very clean and super slow burn. Like man... really slow burn lol I was shipping them from page one and it felt like it took forever--however, I love that! I love that kind of tension between characters. There's something really special about being the reader and "listening" the characters complain about their love life while *you* know what's up. It makes it really satisfying when they do get together, and you wanna reach through the page and be like "I told you so!" Anyway--well written, compelling story with very interesting characters. Would recommend.

Amy Landon is a wonderful narrator. Her accents are on point and keeping track of the characters through the way she voices them is easy. She's excellent. I've got some of her older titles and it's really neat to see how she's grown and improved as a narrator--and it's not like she was ever bad. So kudos to Amy for being awesome and continuing to improve her craft. You rock!

So, if you like clean YA fantasy and romance this is a good pick. Definitely worth your monthly credit, because at 33hrs long it's a total steal. And the ending? *chefs kiss* Perfect.

**I did get to listen at the courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review. And I'm so glad I did! I'll be relistening.

[Bran Pendergrass · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rose is insufferable 😩 I’ve been trying to finish this book for weeks! I ended up skipping 90% of part 3 just to get through. The ending was nice so I gave it 3 stars instead of 2 that I intended. Glad it was free in the catalog.

[M M · Rating 3 out of 5]

While an interesting story of the bond between sisters, I was so frustrated and annoyed at the protagonist's idiocy to truly enjoy this trilogy. The way that her sister betrayed her for selfish reasons and got immediate forgiveness but her mother's protection was seen as unforgivable betrayal really rankled at me, and the immature way that she hero worshipped her father while also simping so hard over "her beloved" really just made her infuriating. She's certainly an immature brat and still is by the end of the books, completely disregarding the sacrifices and protectiveness that her mother gave to her and preferring her self-serving sister and lying boyfriend. Geez. Giving this 3 stars is honestly being generous especially when the story was very rambling and could have been condensed into one book without all the fluff and idiocy.

[Kyrsten Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I was 10-17 years old I would probably really love this. Or if you enjoy a pg story with magic and elves. As it is, it’s interesting and well written. The main character is annoying but not worse than any other 13 year old girl character. The first book is pretty boring and I almost quit, the second book picked up with the last book actually being exciting.

I chose this because it was a free included Audible plus title. The narrator was pretty good.

[Katherine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too juvenile for me.

[Clarissa Gosling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots more surprises and a great sister bond.

[Kirstin Briana Symmes · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ 0🌶️

I listened to this on audible and really enjoyed it. It was free on the app and figured I would enjoy it as I love all things “Disney related” it wasn’t really a retelling but a reimagining and focuses on Rose Red. “Snow white” or rather Neeve is kinda a jerk throughout the book which was an interesting way to showcase snow since it’s usually her being the sweet kind hearted character.

There’s even 7 bearded men within the story cuz you can’t tell Snow White without them! lol

The narrator told the story very well, it was easy to follow which character was speaking and I throughly enjoyed this book!

It’s a LONG LONG LONG book / audio book. 1100 pages / 33hrs of listening time. I personally listen on 2.0 so it was half the time!

Slow burn 🔥
Fantasy
Romance 🥰
Magical

[Ashley Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one just didn't really grab me as much as I thought it would. I never really felt like I liked Rose at all. I did like the magic system, but wished there was more of it that happened. I wouldn't say NOT to read this trilogy, because I can see why others would love it, but it was just not for me!

[Serena Strouse · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a free audiobook and I thought it may get better but it kinda stayed blah to me. The main character's "voice" stayed as a child for most of the book. She didn't seem to grow mentally at all and her choices even as an "adult" were the same as a child. I thought some of the magic was cute but everything was very predictable. I thought it was super drawn out. I gave it a 2/5.

[Deb Barringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

White as Frost, by Anthea Sharp, is the first installment in her Darkwood Trilogy. This story takes us on a wild ride through her teenage years as Rose undergoes many changes and faces many unique challenges. She must learn to adapt to life in the castle as a princess, attempt to establish a relationship with her new stepsister, Neeve, and grasp her newfound knowledge that magic exists as does a whole new world. Rose navigates these challenges with poise, maturity appropriate for her age and grace as she learns the way of court living, slowly bonds with Neeve and others and learns to keep secret her place amongst the elves.

Black as Night is the second book in the world of the Darkwood Trilogy by Anthea Sharp. Rose continues to fight to control her fire magic, although the time spent with the red priests did give her some insight. Now she must focus on helping her sister, Neeve, plan her wedding. This edition is full of action and adventure, guaranteed to keep you on your toes while you read/listen. The audio version is very good, enjoyable to listen to and easy to understand.

Red as Flame is the exciting finale in Anthea Sharp's fantasy world the Darkwood Trilogy. During Neeve's wedding the worst has occurred. Raine is under attack by the Red Priests. Rose knows that this is at least partially her fault, that they are there for her. Much action and adventure follows as Raine fights for it's freedom and Rose fights for her life. The audio version is good. It is well dictated, making listening enjoyable and easy to understand.

I definitely recommend this trilogy either in book form or as an audiobook. It's a great fantasy world to escape to when real life is too much.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

The series mainly follows Rose throughout the books, but we do see their journey as sisters. Poor Rose seems to be cursed as trouble always seems to follow her. I really enjoyed seeing the girls roam Darkwood and learning more about its inhabitants. Each book has its own unique set of issues and with each book the series gets better and better.
Rose is a bit impulsive, but I have to remember that she’s young. So it was great to see her mature as the series progressed. It was great seeing Neeva’s character soften a bit too. She’s a tough cookie.
The narrator, Amy Landon narration was pleasant. She speaks with a bit of a lilt. I sped up the speed and it wasn’t as noticeable. The narrator did a wonderful job portraying an array of characters and kept me engaged throughout the series.
Overall, I really enjoyed this series. I liked how the author created a unique story with the realms and Fae realm. I liked the different Magic system and wish there was more in the story. The twists the author incorporated in the story with magic and fire was marvelous! Perfect for fans of YA romance fantasy.

[Jessica Lopez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok hear me out - it’s a decent read. Really nice story for YA. HOWEVERRRRRR …. plot holes left and right and some pretty glaring ones at that. No one is this slow to pick up on stuff. The author kept trying to blame it on others not knowing but really it was just a way to drag the story out across 3 books that could have been a really nice 1 or 2 books instead and been rated higher. And I was quite disappointed with the “other realm”(to reduce spoilers) basically being night time avatar. I mean could we have at least gone with some other color to try something different? Also I knew the entire plot down to daddy dearest by the end of the first book. It’s not a hard mystery to solve. But giving three stars since there was enough adventure to help me finish it.

[Karina · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a hard one to finish. I am not the audience for this book. Maybe that is why I felt so many annoyances. Rose is so self absorbed and it does not really change when she ages a bit. There are no interesting women in this book: their roles and ambitions are all very traditional. The mother is mainly absent, the father - is a spoiler, so I’ll leave that.
There is a lot of talk of sacrifice and marriage and doing what must be done. Not so much talk about self reflection, the long term, consequences of actions, strategy against enemies.
And then there’s love. And elves and a wood and hints of magic. There were so many convenient solutions to major problems… I don’t know. My 12-year old self would have probably loved it.

[#ByFelicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a new to me author, I greatly enjoyed the series overall. The world building is great and I loved the journey through the Darkwood with all its mystical creatures even the hobnies. I love the bond that Neeve and Rose create over the course of the series. I also enjoyed that the main focus was on that bond and not just romantic interests even though there was a little. I love the twist of the prophecy. Just goes to show it’s all up to interpretation. All around I enjoyed the series as a whole. It was a slow start but that just leads to great world building. I have to say that I was invested in the characters and the story.

[Kerrie Owen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute tween fantasy. Book 1 was okay - a twisting retelling of some classical fairy tales and an easy story for your readers to become immersed. Book 2 was okay, although I was hoping for a little more ‘growing up’ of the main characters that just didn’t happen.

And then… Book 3 was incredibly disappointing. I only finished because I was ‘so close’. A lot of incredibly immature complaining about parents and life, and an insufferable insistence that Rose’ life has been so difficult…

I wish I hadn’t finished the year on this one, but at least I didn’t start the new year with it! Although that’s because it was only free on audible until the 31st 🤣

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this trilogy from start to finish. It was easy to immerse myself into the Darkwood world and watch as Rose and Neeve both changed over the course of the three stories, becoming true friends. The characters are all so different and their hopes, dreams, and flaws make them quite real. Neeve was my favorite, with her snarky ways. But Rose was lovable and you'll want to protect her from the trials she has to endure. If you love fantasy and a different kind of world, you'll want to pick up the series.

[TAYA · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Wonderful fairytale trilogy! Anthea Sharp has created a seamlessly written story blending two sister's mystery, magic and the secrets they keep. This is a clean story. No cuss words. No sex.
I listened to this one on audio. The narrator is very, very good at telling the story so, kudos to you! I liked listening to the how well the characters develop as well as building the worlds they each live in. How they all bonded with each other as they go back and forth between two worlds. Great job on bringing out the atmosphere of those worlds too.

[Janae Sinclair · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very comfy cozy fantasy trilogy. It was really nice to have it as background audio while I was at work. The stakes aren’t very high but I did really fall in love with all the characters. I saw some reviews complaining about Rose but during the first book she was a child, so I think that explains a lot. I felt like all of her decisions were logical, so I enjoyed her as a main character. The romance was a slow burn and very sweet. Overall this is a good YA trilogy that won’t overly stress you out.

[midnightmuse102 ( jade miller ) · Rating 5 out of 5]

THOROUGHLY enjoyed this!!! So glad it was included in my audible membership … I kind of wish I owned them the hardcover copies are beautiful. My only SPOILER is while it says is a romantacy…there’s no spice. So if you prefer that this might be not be for you. Great retelling of Snow White & Rose Red (heavy on the Rose perspective ~ she is a little annoying a lot but grows out of it … the writer managed to develop her character aside from a lot of books I’ve read of this kind … I was pleased).

[Emily Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rich fantasy romance

I really enjoyed this trilogy. Full of magic, mystery, family drama, and a little court politics, it kept me reading. It's an expanded telling of the fairy tale Snow White and Rose Red, set in a complex world with rules of its own. I don't feel like I can say much more without giving too much away, but for all her flaws, Rose is a compelling heroine intent on choosing her own fate

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

listened to on audible. I thought it was a nice fantasy, following the relationships form between the characters and the growth they all go through throughout the 3 books was fun. the main character kinda annoyed me though and I found myself wishing the story was told from the perspective of the other girl in the story because she seemed far more interesting. overall though I enjoyed my time in the darkwood

[Morag · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!! Not my usual fare but I fancied a change and was well rewarded!!
What a journey through different worlds.
A story of good and evil.
Daughters as pawns at the whim of powerful parents, destined to form alliances with neighbouring kingdoms. Will Rose and Neeve ever gain autonomy?
There’s a real fairy tale atmosphere, particularly in the first book of the trilogy, and magic in various guises.
Love and a variety of relationships, secrets and lies abound.
The Darkwood Trilogy kept me gripped for days and I worried about the main characters when I wasn’t ’with’ them, even dreaming about them occasionally!!
Really strong positive (main) female characters.
I’d recommend this.

[Lynne Ho · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grateful this was a continuous read of all three books. It was good. Sometimes, a little slow for me but overall a good read. I wish the battle went a little more than the last few chapters.
The inner voice Rose has kept her from believing in herself much sooner. I’m glad she recognized that in those she trained.
I wish there was a deeper history shared of the dark wood and elves! I think it would have engaged the listener more.

[Nicole Talbot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this immediately after Darkwood Chronicles and I assumed it continued. It was centuries later so the characters were not the same and it took me a but to acclimate and warm up to the new characters. But honestly all the feels in this set. Strong women, whiny women, magic, true love, fierce women, fiery men, happiness, sadness, selfishness, selflessness. Highly recommended!!

[CC]

Sale alert! Chirp has this entire trilogy for 3.99 (yup, that's 33+ hrs.). The reader also seems to be good from what I've sampled, so I'm looking forward to this one, too.

supposed to be a bit of retelling with slow burn and solid characters and SISTERHOOD, so yeah, here for that

https://www.chirpbooks.com/audiobooks...

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first, I was in a slump after reading Iron Flame and had tried so many books before this one, and to go back into YA after so many books in NA, I really wasn’t sure. But. Wow! Those kinds of books made me fall in love with reading when I was younger and it makes me glad that I read it! It’s sweet, kind, fierce and all kind of magical! Just loved it!

[Elise Marchant (etown91) · Rating 4 out of 5]

this might be the book that’s changed my opinion on listening to audio versions. it was LONG listening to 3 in 1 but they flowed seamlessly into each other.

I actually really enjoyed this, the subtle twists of the plot and how all the worlds connected. the children to young adult growths and friendships kept you on your toes the whole time.

[Kristin Jensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this boring, as it feels like every day is described for sooo loooong... If you're looking for action, this is not the trilogy for you... However, the world-building is worth of notice as it's well done.

[Katey Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was part of audible plus package. I was very happily surprised. I really enjoyed it. Quick read with interesting characters. I like that it is a 3 in 1 book so I didn’t have to wait for any releases.